College sports are on the verge of a major transformation. In just a matter of months, both college football and basketball will undergo sweeping changes that could redefine the postseason landscape as we know it.
The NCAA has already approved expanding the March Madness tournament field to 76 teams, promising a more chaotic bracket and a fresh wave of excitement for fans. Meanwhile, the College Football Playoff appears headed toward a 24-team format after the AFCA voted in favor of future alterations—though it's not yet official.
But as these changes fast approach, one big question lingers: Is more really better?
The case for expansion
Let's be honest—the driving forces here are clear: more games, more TV broadcasts, and more revenue. In the current era of NIL deals and revenue sharing, this expansion always felt like a matter of when, not if.
For fans, the upside is undeniable. More high-stakes games mean more drama, more upsets, and more Cinderella stories. College sports already deliver unmatched intensity because, for many athletes, there's no guarantee of tomorrow. The transfer portal, NIL opportunities, and looming eligibility limits only amplify the pressure on every single game.
That pressure creates a true "do-or-die" atmosphere—one that fuels thrilling victories and unforgettable moments. In the end, fans could be the biggest winners (well, aside from the NCAA's bottom line).
The risks of going too far
But expansion comes with a catch: oversaturation. College sports may be able to absorb the growth, but only up to a point.
Leaders are already considering eliminating other postseason games to make room for the expanded playoff model. Most notably, conference championship games could be phased out. If that happens, fans of non-Power Four programs might lose the most. Realistically, many of those teams won't make deep playoff runs, but a conference championship still gives programs and fan bases something meaningful to celebrate.
So, as we gear up for bigger brackets and longer playoffs, it's worth asking: Are we making college sports better—or just bigger?